Rivalry and reform : presidents, social movements, and the transformation of American politics / Sidney M. Milkis and Daniel J. Tichenor.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Milkis, Sidney M., author.

Tichenor, Daniel J., 1966- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Presidents--United States.

Presidents.

Social movements--Political aspects--United States.

Social movements.

Civil rights movements--United States.

Civil rights movements.

Christianity and politics--United States.

Christianity and politics.

United States--Politics and government.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (397 pages) : illustrations, charts

Place of Publication:

Chicago ; London : The University of Chicago Press, 2019.

Summary:

Few relationships have proved more pivotal in changing the course of American politics than those between presidents and social movements. For all their differences, both presidents and social movements are driven by a desire to recast the political system, often pursuing rival agendas that set them on a collision course. Even when their interests converge, these two actors often compete to control the timing and conditions of political change. During rare historical moments, however, presidents and social movements forged partnerships that profoundly recast American politics. Rivalry and Reform explores the relationship between presidents and social movements throughout history and into the present day, revealing the patterns that emerge from the epic battles and uneasy partnerships that have profoundly shaped reform. Through a series of case studies, including Abraham Lincoln and abolitionism, Lyndon Johnson and the civil rights movement, and Ronald Reagan and the religious right, Sidney M. Milkis and Daniel J. Tichenor argue persuasively that major political change usually reflects neither a top-down nor bottom-up strategy but a crucial interplay between the two. Savvy leaders, the authors show, use social movements to support their policy goals. At the same time, the most successful social movements target the president as either a source of powerful support or the center of opposition. The book concludes with a consideration of Barack Obama’s approach to contemporary social movements such as Black Lives Matter, United We Dream, and Marriage Equality.

Contents:

Presidents, social movements, and contentious change: some theoretical foundations

The crucible: Lincoln and the abolitionist movement

The wayward path: presidents and civil rights, 1901-1945

"Joining the revolution": Lyndon Johnson and the civil rights movement

Protestant rearguard: presidents, Christian conservatives, and the modern state

Building a movement party: Ronald Reagan and the new Christian right

Executive power, social movements, and American democracy in a polarized age.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780226569420

022656942X

OCLC:

1198929328